Overview
Status: Operational Phase
About the Project
To enable the subsea cable from Shetland to connect to the GB transmission network, we have constructed a high voltage direct current (HVDC) switching station north of Wick in Caithness. The switching station connects to the HVDC system between Caithness and Moray, and will make use of capacity available in the Caithness - Moray Subsea Cable to allow onward connection to the existing onshore transmission network in Moray, with minimum new infrastructure.
The switching station allows the flow of electricity to be managed between three underground HVDC circuits - one from a converter station at Spittal in Caithness, one from a converter station at Kergord in Shetland, and one to a converter station at Blackhillock in Moray.
Video of completed switching station - November 2022
Find Out More About Shetland HVDC Link
Find Out More About Caithness - Moray HVDC Link
Why is the Project Required?
We are required to develop proposals to accommodate new sources of electricity generation seeking to connect to our network. In response to generators seeking to connect in Shetland, we have installed a new HVDC transmission cable, connecting the islands to the Great Britain electricity system for the first time. HVDC technology makes it possible to transmit electricity efficiently across the distances involved in connecting Shetland, which is located about 170 kilometres north of mainland Scotland.
SSEN Transmission trial new HVDC Robot at Caithness Switching Station - February 2024
Community Engagement
Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
We endeavour to take the time to discuss proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.
We will do our best to answer any questions and address issues or concerns that are raised with us.
When our project progresses into construction, we will continue working closely with the local community to ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long term positive effects as possible.
How we’re embracing artificial intelligence (AI)
We intend to use AI to assist our experienced teams in the analysis of your feedback, so we can categorise key points raised more quickly. You can learn more about how we’re utilising AI on this dedicated web page.
Project Updates
Project updates
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We're here to lend a helping hand
We are committed to supporting the communities in the north of Scotland where we operate, both now and in the future. As part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference and have a positive impact on local communities, we are proud to offer volunteering days to local groups and charities, particularly in the areas that host our electricity infrastructure or where our proposed projects are located.
This month, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Volunteering Webpage, designed to make it easier for local communities to request volunteering support from us. To request our help, simply complete the ‘Volunteering Nomination Form’ linked at the bottom of our new webpage. Please note, as our team works on a voluntary basis, it may take us some time to coordinate our people and match them with opportunities. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to keep up with volunteering demand.
Thank you for considering SSEN Transmission as a partner in your community efforts. Together, we can leave a positive, lasting legacy and help transform communities across the north of Scotland.
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Noss Head Newsletter
To give you an insight into what has been happening on the site, SSEN Transmission have published its second project newsletter on the Noss Head HVDC Switching Station. The newsletter will share an overview of the works underway and keep you updated with the project’s progress over the next four years. A copy of this can be found under the project documentation section of this website. -
Newsletter launched
To give you an insight into what has been happening on the site, SSEN Transmission have published its first project newsletter on the Noss Head HVDC Switching Station. The newsletter will share an overview of the works underway and keep you updated with the project’s progress over the next four years. A copy of this can be found under the project documentation section of this website. -
Contract Award
A contract for the design and construction of the Caithness HVDC Switching Station at Noss Head was awarded at the end July-2020 to Principal Contractor Messrs BAM Nuttall Ltd. BAM Nuttall Ltd are an experienced Principal Contractor who have an already long-term working relationship with SSEN Transmission delivering in excess of 12 new substations in Moray and the west of Scotland under a five-year framework and have also work in joint venture with other parties to complete Melgarve 400/132KV substation, Rothienorman 275/33Kv substation and Stronelarig 132/33KV substation in the Scottish Highlands for SSEN Transmission. In addition, BAM Nuttall Ltd completed works on the Operation & Maintenance base within Wick Harbour which is the main hub to support the Beatrice Wind Farm. -
SSEN welcome decision by the Highland Council to approve planning for Caithness HVDC switching station
Commenting on the outcome of today’s Highland Council planning committee decision for the Caithness HVDC switching station, Craig Taylor, Project Manager for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, said: “We welcome today’s decision by the Highland Council to approve our planning application for the Caithness HVDC switching station. As a responsible developer we have gone through a rigorous development process, taking into account a range of technical, environmental and economic considerations to help inform the identification of a suitable location and design, which has been carefully designed to minimise the visual impact of the development in the surrounding area.” -
Planning Application to The Highland Council
An application has been made to The Highland Council Planning Department, in principle, for the Caithness HVDC Switching Station. The application can be viewed and commented upon via The Highland Council planning portal, reference number 16/04505/PIP.
Documents
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caithness-sutherland-information-booklet.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 October 2022
- Size:
- 5 MB
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Noss Head newsletter January 2022pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 15.9 MB
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Noss Head newsletter March 2021
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 7.1 MB
FAQs
FAQs
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